Originally Posted by spark
I have a 2005 Ford Ranger 4x4 Edge. I'm installing a 2 1/4 " front torsion lift in the front. I want to put the biggest, widest tire on my truck as possible. I was thinking about the new Goodyear Duratrac. Anybody know how big I can go? Also, I love the look of the "Wagon Wheel" rims. People say they rust and to stay away from them. I'm in the rust belt of Detroit after all. Will i experience any drawbacks with the small lift? Any suggestions on how to beaf up the stock look on a tight budget.

 

how are you lifting the truck...torsion keys are a big no-no...i just cranked my tbars with the factory keys and i got about 2 inches out of them...i also have duratracs on my truck and love them

 

Body lift is cheap... less than $250.. gives you 3" and you can fit 33x12.50's on an 8" wide rim that way.

 

The local off road shop suggested that I use torsion keys. They should give me a 2.5 lift in front. Why are they bad? I heard body lifts where bad? I'm more of a hot rodder. I don't know anything about 4x4's. I just want the truck to look a bit tougher with some bigger wheels on it.

 

Don't go back to that shop again. lol.
The keys in your truck are the best torsion keys ford offered. if your crank the Torsion bars up all the way, you can fit 32s without rubbing. 33s will rub.
A 3in body lift will let your clear 33s.
If you take care of your rims during winter they won't rust. such as spraying them off every week at the quarter wash, or ever at home.

 

Torsion keys are only useful for 2008+ rangers... they sit a little bit lower than previous years. Body lift is the way to go, that shop had no idea what they are talking about.

 

^ Do this!

 

x2...just crank the tbars and then get your alignment checked...that reminds me i have to get mine checked at work today...and there is nothing wrong with body lifts...you either like them or you dont

 

install the pre 2008 Torsion keys, belltech 6400 shackles and a 3" body lift. If you have fender flares, run a 33x12.50 on a 15x10. If you dont have fender flares, run a 33x12.50 on an 8" rim.

There are a few rangers with this exact set up (most that i helped install) locally that you can see before doing yours (im no help because my truck is gone)

Also, i had torsion keys without problem...you just need to know when to stop cranking

 

Exactly!

Listen to this man

 

I smell a MI meet.

 

the shop told you to buy indexing keys so they can make money off you. plain and simple. crank your torsion bars, belltech 6400 rear shackles and 3" bodylift, you should be able to clear 35" tires. most guys run 33" tires because they look so damn good

 

Thanks for the feedback. I think I'm going with a 3" body lift. The shop I'm talking to said they would do the entire lift, parts and labor for around $800. I just drop off the truck and pick it up complete. I would do it myself but I work 80 hours a week and just want it done. They said they have to lower the electronic fan and lengthen the brake lines. Make sense? Is that a reasonable price? BTW. This forum is so helpful and it rocks!

Now I have to decide between BFG's or Goodyears Duratrac. I'm leaning towards the Duratracs. Also, I'm thinking about going with the Raceline wheels. The question is: Do I go with the Raptor's or the Rock Crushers. The Rock Crushers look pretty stealth. I kind of like that. I like the blacked out look. I attached some Photoshop renderings. Any suggestions?

 

Brake line lengthening i can see, i dunno about the Efan, I vote which ever the second rims are. And for BFGs. Lots of guys run the Mud Terrian KM2's. But i have the Allterrians and love them.

 

Even then, use pre 07 keys. Me and rob did my truck in 4-5 hours. We putz around and took a break after the front was done before we did the rears. Save yourself the $800. Pre keys, AAL and new u-bolts was just about $100. Alignment was $80. If you do it yourself on the weekend you just saved $600. Since you have a 05, your keys are already good and just waiting for the twisting to begin.

I'd be down to help out.

 

Duratracs hands down.

 

This.

 

love mine!

 

For a body lift the brakes limes do not have to be extened. The fan shroud has to be tweaked. U recommend reading the installation instruction in the sticky here so you know exactly how it's done so they can't shaft you for **** you don't need.

 

we could do this. Meet up somewhere and body lift a truck. You've got the experience, I can turn a wrench like nobodies business. We can get Justin involved for the hell of it.

 

Lowering the "electronic fan" will prove to be difficult, considering your truck doesn't have one.

 

What city do you live in? I could use the help.

 

I'm in Flat Rock, Morris would be coming across the River. I'll PM a few other MI guys if you wanna make this happen.

 

I'd be off this Sunday (30) and next Saturday (5). Other then that I'm working.
I just looked on the map. Your an hour or so from me. If you choose one of those days and supply food/drink, i'd be willing to help.

 

I'm going Up North the 18-20 of Nov. any other weekend i'm good.